Haul of retro goodies from region snapped up online

Unusual items from binoculars to a teddy bear collection helped raise money for the British Heart Foundation on eBay

A haul of retro goodies have gone under the online hammer after being unearthed in North East attics and handed into charity shops.

The unusual items, sold on eBay over the last three months by the British Heart Coundation (BHF), include a 70s tape deck and a 90s games console.

All have helped raise life-saving funds to fight coronary heart disease, the UK’s single biggest killer.

The charity compiled a list of the most quirky items in their regional shops, which include: A teddy bear collection, donated to the Gateshead BHF shop. The set of four cuddly mohair animals - three bears and a dog - fetched £47 on the BHF eBay store.

A tape deck, made in the late 1970s. The Akai four-track stereo reel-to-reel tape deck raised £500 for the BHF via eBay after being donated to the Bishop Auckland BHF Furniture and Electrical store.

A vintage green leather Chesterfield Captain’s desk chair, donated to the Byker BHF Furniture and Electrical store, which was sold for £255.

A vintage Super Nintendo SNES games console from the 1990s, handed into the Ashington BHF shop. Nintendo fans bid £83 on the BHF eBay store.

And a set of retro Carl Zeiss binoculars and their case were donated to the Darlington BHF shop in the original box, complete with lifetime guarantee. The Jena Jenoptem 10x50W binoculars were sold for £145.

Andrew Shaw, BHF eBay manager, said: “It’s amazing what people donate to BHF shops. When staff spot high-value and unique items, they send them over to us and we list them on eBay.

“This means we not only get the best price for the rare and beautiful items, but that these objects are available to many more people than they would be if they were just sold in the shop they were donated to.

“100% of the profits raised from these items go into the fight against heart disease, helping the BHF continue its life-saving work.”

Last year BHF shops raised over £31m . To see what’s available online, and bid on more items, visit bhf.org.uk/ebay.

To find your nearest BHF shop, go to bhf.org.uk/shops or call 0800 915 3000. A free collection for unwanted items can be arranged through your local BHF shop.